Office of the Governor of Iowa

Branstad to lead trade mission to Chile and Brazil this July

Governor Terry E. Branstad will lead a trade mission to Brazil and Chile July 21-28, with the aim to expand trade opportunities for Iowa companies and products. The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) International Trade Office will coordinate the trip, and Iowa companies in all industry sectors are invited to participate in this mission

Brazil is Iowa’s sixth-largest trading partner, with exports exceeding $527 million in 2011 – a nearly 50% increase over 2010. Chile is Iowa’s 19th-largest export destination, with exports of over $88 million in 2011.

“Exporting creates jobs, and careers, for Iowans, and that is why we have made it a goal to increase overall exports by 20 percent,” said Gov. Branstad. “Trade missions like this one will help Iowa companies in expanding their markets outside of the U.S., which will lead to more jobs here at home.”

“This trade mission will help build on Iowa’s success in trading with Brazil and Chile and will continue to strengthen our partnership with these countries,” said IEDA Director Debi Durham. “Both Brazil and Chile remain key destinations for many Iowa products so it is important that we continue to have a presence there.”

Visits to Sao Paulo and Porto Alegre, Brazil, and Santiago, Chile are part of the Iowa delegation’s itinerary. Highlights include meetings with government and industry association officials, briefings on each market, and “Growing Iowa’s Global Partnerships” events. Iowa companies will participate in meetings specific to their market entry or expansion needs.